Frederick city wins bike-friendly bronze

Frederick city has officially joined the ranks of bicycle-friendly cities around the country.

In an official announcement Monday, the League of American Bicyclists named Frederick among its bronze cities.

Since the mayor’s Bicycle Ad Hoc Committee’s first meeting in 2010, the group has made great strides toward bettering the city for the local bike community.

Chairwoman MaryLynn Hinde attributed Frederick’s success to projects such as the Seventh Street bike lanes and the bicycle history loop completed last fall, as well as an upcoming race of old-fashioned high-wheel pennyfarthing bikes and planned construction of a pump track — a loop of rollers and berms that can be ridden without pedaling.

The bronze designation lasts through 2015, according to Tim Davis, Frederick city planner.

“Over that time, we can accomplish a good deal more,” he said.

Among the goals are a bike share program and the adoption of a Complete Streets policy, according to Alderwoman Kelly Russell.

“It makes you want to stay,” Hinde said about the new recognition.

“We’ve come a long way,” she added. “I think we can really take this city up the ladder.”